Diseases of the nose and its accessory cavities.

  • Watson, W. Spencer (William Spencer), 1836-1906.
Date:
1875
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Diseases of the nose and its accessory cavities. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

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    very finely divided calomel powder becomes deposited -apon the surfaces of the ulcers. The effect of mercury, however, requires to be very carefully w^atched in these cases, because it so often happens that there is with the syphilitic a scrofulous taint in the constitution: this particular combination of diatheses rendering the system more liable to the ulceration of mucous membranes than either by itseK; and it is well known that scrofulous persons do not bear mercury so well as those untainted with that constitutional weakness. Hence if the gums rapidly show decided signs of mercurial action, the baths should be at once discontinued, and if necessary, recommenced after an interval. In cases in which mercury has been given freely and efifi.- ciently during the primary or secondary stages, it will be found desirable to give a course of iodide of potassium, beginning with 4-grain doses and going on to 20 or 30 grains, and combining mth this sarsaparilla in the form of liquid extract. (See Case 1^0. IV in Appendix.) If after a few days or a week of this plan of treatment there is no amendment in the symptoms, it will be better to give up specific treatment altogether, and to rely upon topical applications and the internal administration of cod- liver oil and iodide of iron. Sometimes perchloride of iron and bitter tonics will be required alternately with the cod-liver oil; and in all cases, whether specifics are given or not, a supporting regimen should be made a sine qua non. M. Trousseau speaks very highly of topical applications in the form of finely divided powders blown into the nostrils, after they have been thorouglily cleansed by the use of the tepid douche and all the crusts have been removed. The powders may be used as snuff or blown up the nostrils by the insufflator. The following formulas are given by ]\i. Trousseau for powders used by him as snuffs (Trousseau, Clin. Med., vol. iii, p. 67, Oz^na) :— No. 1. Subnit. Bismuth Venetian Talc. . . equal parts.